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BERNADETTE WIGHTMAN , MD , BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES , BT
EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
One of the most significant challenges facing businesses across industry sectors is that of the IT skills shortage , linked with a new way of working , thanks to Digital Transformation . With digital becoming an integral aspect of operations and providing competitive advantage , companies must focus on addressing the skills needed today for the future viability of the business tomorrow .
When considering trends in upskilling that are impacting businesses and their ability to navigate the new digital world , a key aspect that comes to mind , which is critical to future proof organisations , is recruitment and retention strategies that target the younger generations . By understanding what millennials and Gen Zs want for example , companies can identify better ways to attract them to the business and as such gain the skills these generations are bringing to the business world . One such practice that is helping to shape the trend of targeting these ‘ newer ’ generations is with global organisations supporting international assignments and job swaps . This has the added advantage of ensuring skills and business knowledge are available and shared where required .
The technology skills shortage is not unique to Africa , but impacts countries around the world . Technology is evolving at such a rate that it is almost impossible to keep up , meaning that the skills gap is only widening as more innovative solutions are developed .
Adding to this reality is an aging workforce that might not always feel comfortable in how best to embrace technological advances and the new way of working today . Yet , technology brings with it so much potential for business growth along with the empowering real suitable and positive change . Examples include digital literacy , improved healthcare and access to even the most basic of needs – which are being made possible through technological innovation across Africa . Technology can transform the lives of hundreds and even thousands of people . But if the skills don ’ t exist to navigate the technological world , it is a world that will mean very little . Reskilling the workforce is therefore critical to capitalise on the potential technology provides .
Even though reskilling employees may feel overwhelming , it is a critical enabler to create strategic value in a digitally-driven environment . The reality is that two-thirds of children who started school in 2016 will go on to have jobs that do not yet exist which emphasises the need to consistency reskill and upskill in business today . Universities , businesses and industry experts need to work together to ensure that the technology skills needed for the future are being incorporated into education programmes , as a means to improve on closing this gap . Digital skills are critical to the growth and survival of economies , however fixing the digital and technology skills shortage requires effort from both public and private entities .
Over and above these critical steps , businesses also need to look to the younger generations – the Millennials and Generation Z ( Gen Z ) – to find and retain the best skills and talent for continued business success . These generations are growing up with technology at their fingertips and don ’ t know or understand a world without technology – making them powerful allies in transforming all aspects of the business . Millennials and Gen Zs have fully embraced the ‘ sharing economy ’ that enables them to enjoy the benefits of owning everything from music , vintage furniture , cars , designer clothes and even pets without the hassle of buying .
With most roles and jobs likely to become less defined and more fluid going forward , continuous retraining and upskilling can make sure staff are ready to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise . •
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TECHNOLOGY IS EVOLVING AT SUCH A RATE THAT IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP UP , MEANING THAT THE SKILLS GAP IS ONLY WIDENING AS MORE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS ARE DEVELOPED . www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO
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